Dear !*TITLE*! !*LASTNAME*!,
We are soon into March and no snow in Tokyo yet this winter.
The latest first snow previously fell on 10 February, 1960, but this could become the first winter without snow since 1876, the earliest year for which data are available, according to the Japan Meteorological Agency.
Fortunately there's enough snow in Sapporo for the World Ski Championships...
A reminder to our members; if you plan to participate in the luncheon on Friday 2 March with Finnair President and CEO, Jukka Hienonen, and have not yet signed up, please do so by Wednesday. If you have not received the invitation in your regular mail (was sent out 11 February), or misplaced it, please contact me by replying to this mail.

Report from Luncheon Meeting on 21 February with Jorma Eloranta

At our first luncheon meeting in 2007, and at a new venue, Hotel Okura, as our regular place Capitol Tokyu has closed down to be rebuilt, we had the opportunity to hear a very interesting presentation from one of the top Finish business executives, Jorma Eloranta, CEO and President of Metso Corporation.
The theme of Mr. Eloranta's presentation was "Metso: Turn-Around to Profitable Growth -
The Story of a Global Market Leader".
Metso has today four subsidiaries in Japan, employing 105 people, and they are all doing good business. Mr. Eloranta noted appropriately; "for Metso, Japan is hot!"
For a report (incl. Mr. Eloranta's presentation) from the luncheon, which was attended by 63 members, guests and representatives for the press, click link at right.

At our March luncheon meeting our guest speaker is Gerhard Fasol, Representative Director, CEO, Eurotechnology Japan K.K. The theme of his presentation is: "Help - my mobile phone does not work!" -
Why Japan's mobile phone sector is so different from Europe's.
In his presentation, Dr. Fasol will explain the essentials of Japan's mobile phone market, why and how it is so different to Europe's.
He will also talk about some of the reasons why it is so difficult for European companies to succeed and uncover opportunities and the keys to success for European companies in this important market.

Profile of Gerhard Fasol
Gerhard Fasol has worked with Japan's telecom sector for 22 years. He came first to Japan in 1984 to build a research cooperation with NTT Research labs. He was manager of one of Hitachi's R&D labs, was on the Faculty of the NTT Telecommunications Chair at Tokyo University and initiated and managed a "Sakigake" (=Pioneer) R&D project of the Japanese Government. Since 1996 he manages the company Eurotechnology Japan. He graduated with a PhD in Physics from Cambridge University and Trinity College, Cambridge.
Eurotechnology Japan in Brief
Eurotechnology Japan KK advises investment banks, develops Japan business for US and European companies, and works on the European strategy for Japanese corporations. Eurotechnology has advised large financial institutions on the risks of SoftBanks US$ 15 billion loan to acquire Vodafone-Japan and on investments in the mobile phone sector, and advises European companies on M&A in Japan. Among Eurotechnology's customers are several of the world's largest corporations, as well as many small and mid-size companies and high-tech start-ups. Finland's TEKES engaged Eurotechnology to advise on Finland's strategy for mobile phone R&D for 2005-2010.

For more about Mr. Fasol's presentation, his full profile and an introduction to Eurotechnology Japan, click here!
If you would like attend and have not yet registered, please click link at right.

On March 12, from 12:00-14:00 p.m. you will have the chance to learn the latest news about the ETP programme and what it can offer you and your company. You are guaranteed a chance to talk with colleagues and enjoy your lunch before the presentations begin and there is no entry charge. As applications for the 2007-8 intake close this year on May 15, the lunch is aimed at alerting companies to (or reminding them about) the existence of the programme in time to apply.
Speakers will include H.E. Ambassador Hugh Richardson of the Delegation of the European Commission to Japan, Mr. Richard Collasse, Chairman of the EBC and President of Chanel, Professors from the Graduate School of Commerce at Japan's prestigious Waseda University where participants will spend 6 months; a current ETP participant (2006-7 intake), former ETP participants who are currently among the broader group of elite Europeans regarded as "Captains of European industry in Japan," and other key personnel.

The Executive Training Programme (ETP) in Japan or Korea is a fantastic tool, created and funded by the European Commission. It can be utilised by EU member state nationals if they are working for an EU company. With a generous grant from the Commission and some support from the sponsor company, successful applicants will be transformed in just 12 months into a more effective employee with language skills and the latest, most insightful knowledge of the Japanese or Korean economy. They will participate in a certificated course run by a consortium of prestigious universities - University of London (London), Sciences Po (Paris), Bocconi University (Milan) and Waseda University (Tokyo-ETP Japan) or Yonsei University (Seoul-ETP Korea).

Finland is bringing its concerns about Russia's increase in timber duties before the European Union, according to Paula Lehtomaki (centre), Finland's foreign trade minister.
Ms Lehtomaki told the Finnish News Agency (STT) on Thursday that Finland and other member states are planning to actively keep in contact with the European Commission on this issue.
The Commission is to negotiate with Russia, as trade policy matters specifically belong to the European Commission's jurisdiction. "Of course the question will also be brought up in bilateral contacts between Finland and Russia," Ms Lehtomaki said.
According to the foreign trade minister this is a question of principle, as Russia is about to become a member in the World Trade Organisation (WTO) and a commitment to dismantling trade barriers is part of becoming a member.

Cna yuo raed tihs? Olny 55% of plepoe can
i cdnuolt blveiee taht I cluod aulaclty uesdnatnrd waht I was rdanieg. The phaonmneal pweor of the hmuan mnid, aoccdrnig to a rscheearch at Cmabrigde Uinervtisy, it dseno't mtaetr in waht oerdr the ltteres in a wrod are, the olny iproamtnt tihng is taht the frsit and lsat ltteer be in the rghit pclae. The rset can be a taotl mses and you can sitll raed it whotuit a pboerlm. Tihs is bcuseae the huamn mnid deos not raed ervey lteter by istlef, but teh wrod as a wlohe. Azanmig huh? yaeh and I awlyas tghuhot slpeling was ipmorantt! if y ou can raed tihs forwrad it.

ABOUT THIS BULLETINThis bulletin is
published by the Finnish Chamber of Commerce in Japan (FCCJ) and
distributed to over 600 recipients among its members and related
organizations. FCCJ was established in April 1999 to promote trade and
economic exchange between Japan and Finland and has today 67 corporate
members, 16 individual and one special member.